Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1928, Page 1

Westland Acclimatisation and Tourist Society.

THURSDAY, MARCH J. The monthly meeting of the above Society was held at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock. Present: —Messrs (j. A. l’erry (President), Garnet Perry, K. .J. Appleton, A. Xaneekivell, 11. Wells, R. Paterson, I!. Stuart, W. Bt'nddon, I). .1. Evans and Dr Teichelmann. 'l'lie minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and the outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE, From T. JO. Y. Seddon, M.P., forwanling letter from Minister in Charge of Tourist Resorts, stating the estimated cost of Chancellor Ridge hut was £h.jO, and an item would appear on the Estimates next session, and the work proceeded with as soon its the necessary funds were available. Received. From Oeueral Manager Tourist Resorts. Wellington, in reply to proposed shelter shed at Tuhua Track, stating he hoped to visit Hokitika in a fortnight's time, and would go into the matter.—Received. It was decided Mr Wilson I;: 1 asked to visit, the lake and meet the Society later. A discussion ensued as to site, the position to be inspected when visiting the locality with Mr Wilson, whose arrival is now overdue. From Department of Internal Alfairs acknowledging information '■upplied relative to breaches of the opossum regain turns.—-Received. From same, several communications regarding extra deer shooting licenses granted for the Okuru block.—Received. From North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society stating proposed conference of South Island Societies had been deferred to precede the general conference of New Zealand Societies —Received. From M. Wood, Blenheim, enquiring in reference to deer stalking country in Westland. —Received and Secretary’s reply approved. From W. Beamish. Hastings, suggesting r.ti enterprising scheme for latching eels in rivers and streams ‘or commercial use. at the same time tilling a trout enemy, and promising o reveal particulars alter the pioKisal was protected.—Received. From lvric .Tames, Makarora, aitli 'cgard to Smith West.iaml tours and leer stalking proposals, also suggestng Upper Haast river be stocked tilth Isli.—Received. GENERAL. The Hatchery Committee per Mr Armstrong (Chairman) reported on visit on the Kith nil. and conference j with mom hers of the Grey Society • regarding repairs in the Hatchery and . also in respect to enlarging same. ( The estimate for I lie work was CoO , for repairs and L'lO'l for building a lean In to enable a large number of frv to be bandied. 'I lie work was recommended by ilie Committee. subject to ihe Urey Society contributing half the cost.. Received and adopted, a e tor C grant being voted by (lie Society as indicated. An account Inr (is was passed for payment. The Chairman reported regarding suggested access along Mahinapua Creek in proposed hunt landing near the railway bridge. It was stated the most feasible and economical route was on the west side ot the creek. The load would tic cheap to torm, lint expensive to metal. The east side was more costly and no bridge was available. Mr •). C. Macfarlane, representing the Golf Club, who was present said the road hardly seemed to he required. Its construction would entail a heavy cost for fencing, and remove „ the present privacy of the links. It would cost CAOtl to WOO to make a road (it for motor ear trallic, and there was no guarantee boats would ply on the creek to the lake. |)r Teichelmann said if it was a question of putting a road through to Mahinapua the best route would he along the reserve adjacent to the railway line, but that would entail bridging Mahinapua Creek. Air Evans s-aid in view of the cost indicated it would be better to wait and see the oiled of the construction of the road fliom Ruatapu to .Mahinapua. With motor traffic access to Luke Mahinapua it would be improved greatly, and might meet the requirements of parlies visiting the lake. The report was received and further consideration was deferred for the present. The Chairman reported regarding the interview with the Minister in Charge of State Forests in respect Jo introducing fresh breeds of opossums, staling the Minister personally was very favourable, and had promised to represent the matter again to Cainnet. Already opossums of nondescript kinds were being liberated now, but it would be better to have the liberation under control, and only the best kinds placed in the southern district, Afr Appleton moved that £2OO lie set aside towards the of placing colonies of opossums in South AVestland. ATr AA'ells seconded, carried after a short discussion in regard to breeds, it being suggested some new blood should be obtained from Tasmania and from the districts m New Zealand where the host class of skins L wore being obtained. Afr Paterson moved that application be made for supplies of qumnal salmon ova to be hatched at Lake Kanieri and liberated there. The fish wore becoming established there. Mi Appleton seconded. Carried. The meeting concluded at 8.30 p.m.